Evaluation of plans for reclamation from products containing asbestos to ensure safety to the workers and the general population

Fifty-two working plans for abatement of asbestos-containing materials (ACM) were examined being presented over 12 months at a Public Occupational Health Service in Apulia (Italy) by authorized companies. Most of the interventions took place in urban areas and civil buildings and lasted few days with employment of a limited number of workers. They mainly consisted in removal practices. The weight of ACM abated varied from 30 to over 14,000 kg. Air monitoring of asbestos fibres was included not in all plans. When airborne fibres were detectable, the threshold of environmental pollution (20ff/L) was sometimes reached or exceeded. This finding appeared to be relevant for asbestos exposure of workers and general population. A higher fibre dispersion occurred during abatement of amounts of ACM more than 1,000 kg. The Occupational Health Service should be legally and operatively able to make regular workplace inspections, especially when large quantities of ACM have to be abated.